Multi camera endoscope having a side service channel

ABSTRACT

There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a side service channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/413,141, entitled “Multi Camera Endoscope HavingA Side Service Channel”, filed on Mar. 6, 2012, and issued on Jan. 6,2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,926,502, which relies on U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/449,743, of the same title and filed on Mar. 7, 2011.

All of the aforementioned applications are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a multi camera endoscopeassembly having one or more side service channels.

BACKGROUND

Endoscopes have attained great acceptance within the medical community,since they provide a means for performing procedures with minimalpatient trauma, while enabling the physician to view the internalanatomy of the patient. Over the years, numerous endoscopes have beendeveloped and categorized according to specific applications, such ascystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, upper GI endoscopy and others.Endoscopes may be inserted into the body's natural orifices or throughan incision in the skin.

An endoscope is usually an elongated tubular shaft, rigid or flexible,having a video camera or a fiber optic lens assembly at its distal end.The shaft is connected to a handle, which sometimes includes an ocularfor direct viewing. Viewing is also usually possible via an externalscreen. Various surgical tools may be inserted through a working channelin the endoscope for performing different surgical procedures.

Endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that are currently being used,typically have a front camera for viewing the internal organ, such asthe colon, an illuminator, a fluid injector for cleaning the camera lensand sometimes also the illuminator and a working channel for insertionof surgical tools, for example, for removing polyps found in the colon.Often, endoscopes also have fluid injectors (“jet”) for cleaning a bodycavity, such as the colon, into which they are inserted. Theilluminators commonly used are fiber optics which transmit light,generated remotely, to the endoscope tip section. The use oflight-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination is also known.

Among the disadvantages of such endoscopes, are their limited field ofview and their limited options for operating medical and surgical tools.

There is thus a need in the art for endoscopes, such as colonoscopies,that allow a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgicaltools as well as enabling efficient packing of all necessary elements inthe tip section, while maintaining their function.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

There is provided herein, according to some embodiments of the inventiona tip section of an endoscope, the tip section comprising: at least onefront-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associatedtherewith; at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of sideilluminator associated therewith; a front working channel configured forinsertion of a medical tool; and a side service channel configured forinsertion of a medical tool.

In some embodiments, the tip section further comprises at least onefront fluid injector configured for cleaning at least one of thefront-pointing camera and at least one of the front illuminator.

In some embodiments, the tip section further comprises at least one sidefluid injector configured for cleaning at least one of the side-pointingcamera and at least one of the side illuminator.

In some embodiments, the tip section further comprises a pathway fluidinjector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which theendoscope is inserted.

In some embodiments, the tip section comprises two side-pointingcameras.

In some embodiments, each of the side-pointing cameras is directed toopposing sides.

In some embodiments, each of the side-pointing cameras is essentiallyperpendicular to the front camera surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one side-pointing camera forms anobtuse angle with the front camera surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one side-pointing camera forms anacute angle with the front camera surface.

In some embodiments, the side service channel is curved at an angle ofabout 90° relative to the long dimension of the tip section towards aside wall of the tip section.

In some embodiments, the side service channel is curved at an obtuseangle relative to the long dimension of the assembly, towards a sidewall of the tip section.

In some embodiments, the side service channel is curved at an acuteangle relative to the long dimension of the assembly, towards a sidewall of the tip section.

In some embodiments, the front working channel is further configured forinsertion of a cleaning fluid and the side service channel is configuredfor suctioning the cleaning fluid.

In some embodiments, the side service channel is further configured forinsertion of a cleaning fluid and the front working channel isconfigured for suctioning the cleaning fluid.

In some embodiments, the tip section comprises two side service channelsdirected essentially to opposing sides of the tip section.

In some embodiments, the side service channel comprises a proximalsection, which splits into two distal sections directed essentially toopposing sides of the tip section.

In some embodiments, each one of the two distal sections is curved at anangle of about 90° relative to the long dimension of the tip sectiontowards a side wall of the tip section.

In some embodiments, each one of the two distal sections is curved at anobtuse angle relative to the long dimension of the tip section towards aside wall of the tip section.

In some embodiments, each one of the two distal sections is curved at anacute angle relative to the long dimension of the tip section towards aside wall of the tip section.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side illuminatorscomprises at least one discrete illuminator.

In some embodiments, each of the front and side illuminators comprises alight-emitting diode (LED).

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side illuminators isconfigured to emit white light.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side illuminators isconfigured to emit ultraviolet light.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side illuminators isconfigured to emit infrared light.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side illuminators isconfigured to emit near-infrared light.

In some embodiments, the front and side illuminators are configured toemit light in different wavelengths.

In some embodiments, each of the front-pointing camera and theside-pointing camera comprises an image sensor such as, but not limitedto, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal OxideSemiconductor (CMOS).

In some embodiments, the front and side fluid injectors are connected toa same fluid supply channel.

In some embodiments, the endoscope is a colonoscope.

In some embodiments, the endoscope is a flexible endoscope.

In some embodiments, the endoscope is a gastroscope.

In some embodiments, fields of view of the front-pointing camera andside-pointing camera are at least partially overlapping.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side camerascomprises a lens assembly providing a field of view of 90 degrees ormore.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side camerascomprises a lens assembly providing a field of view of 120 degrees ormore.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front and side camerascomprises a lens assembly providing a focal length of approximately3-100 millimeters.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thefigures and by study of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensionsof components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen forconvenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown toscale. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed hereinare to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The figuresare listed below.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a tip section of an endoscope assemblyaccording to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a tip section of an endoscopeassembly according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a fluid channeling component of anendoscope assembly with a medical tool inserted through a side servicechannel thereof, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of a fluid channeling component of anendoscope assembly with a medical tool inserted through a side servicechannel thereof, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows an exploded view of a tipsection 200 of an endoscope assembly 100 according to an embodiment.

An aspect of some embodiments relates to endoscope assembly 100 havingtip section 200 equipped with one or more side service channels.

It is noted that the term “endoscope” as mentioned to herein may referparticularly to a colonoscope, according to some embodiments, but is notlimited only to colonoscopes. The term “endoscope” may refer to anyinstrument used to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity ofthe body.

Tip section 200 may be turnable by way of flexible shaft (not shown)which may also be referred to as a bending section, for example avertebra mechanism.

According to an embodiment, tip section 200 of an endoscope may includea tip cover 300, an electronic circuit board assembly 400 and a fluidchanneling component 600.

Electronic circuit board assembly 400 may be configured to carry a frontlooking camera 116 and side looking cameras 116 a (not shown) and 116 bwhich may be similar to front looking camera 116 and may include aCharge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor(CMOS) image sensor.

Electronic circuit board assembly 400 may be configured to carry frontilluminators 240 a, 240 b, 240 c, which may be associated with frontlooking camera 116, may be positioned to essentially illuminate frontlooking camera's 116 fields of view.

In addition, electronic circuit board assembly 400 may be configured tocarry side illuminators 250 a and 250 b, which may be associated withside looking camera 116 b, may be positioned to essentially illuminateside looking camera's 116 b fields of view. Electronic circuit boardassembly 400 may also be configured to carry side illuminators, whichmay be associated with side looking camera 116 a (not shown), which maybe similar to side illuminators 250 a and 250 b.

Front illuminators 240 a, 240 b, 240 c and side illuminators 250 a and250 b may optionally be discrete illuminators and may include alight-emitting diode (LED), which may be a white light LED, an infraredlight LED, a near infrared light LED, an ultraviolet light LED or anyother LED.

The term “discrete”, concerning discrete illuminator, may refer to anillumination source, which generates light internally—in contrast to anon-discrete illuminator, which may be, for example, a fiber opticmerely transmitting light generated remotely.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 A and B, which shows a perspective viewof a tip section 200 of an endoscope assembly 100 according to anembodiment.

Tip cover 300 may be configured to fit over the inner parts of the tipsection 200 including electronic circuit board assembly 400 and fluidchanneling component 600 and to provide protection to the internalcomponents in the inner parts.

Tip cover 300 may include a front panel 320 having a front opticalassembly 256, of front looking camera 116. Front optical assembly 256may include a plurality of lenses, static or movable, which may providea field of view of up to essentially 180 degrees. Front optical assembly256 may provide a focal length of up to about 100 millimeters.

Optical axis of front looking camera 116 may be essentially directedalong the long dimension of the endoscope. However, since front lookingcamera 116 is typically a wide angle camera, its field of view mayinclude viewing directions at large angles to its optical axis.

Additionally, front panel 320 may include optical windows 242 a, 242 band 242 c of illuminators 240 a, 240 b and 240 c, respectively. Itshould be noted that number of illumination sources used forillumination of the field of view may vary.

In addition, front panel 320 may include a working channel opening 340of a working channel 640, which is further discussed below.

Jet channel opening 344 of jet channel 644 may also be located on frontpanel 320 of tip cover 300. Jet channel 644 may be configured forproviding high-pressure jet of fluid such as water or saline forcleaning the walls of the body cavity.

Also located on front panel 320 of tip cover 300 is injector opening 346of injector channel 646 having a nozzle 348 aimed at front opticalassembly 256. Injector channel 646 may be configured for injecting fluid(liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and otherdebris from front optical assembly 256 of front looking camera 116.Optionally, injector channel 646 may be configured for cleaning frontoptical assembly 256 and one two or all of optical windows 242 a, 242 band 242 c. Injector channel 646 may be fed by fluid such as water and/orgas which may be used for cleaning and/or inflating a body cavity.

Visible on the sidewall 362 of tip cover 300 is side optical assembly256 b for side looking camera 116 b, which may be similar to frontoptical assembly 256 and optical windows 252 a and 252 b of illuminators250 a and 250 b for side looking camera 116 b. Also on the sidewall 362of tip cover 300 one the opposing side to side optical assembly 256 b isan optical assembly (not shown) for side looking camera 116 a (notshown), which may be similar to side optical assembly 256 b and opticalwindows 252 a and 252 b of illuminators 250 a and 250 b for side lookingcamera 116 b.

Optical axis of side looking camera 116 b may be essentially directedperpendicular to the long dimension of the endoscope. Optical axis ofside looking camera 116 b is essentially directed perpendicular to thelong dimension of the endoscope. However, since side looking camera 116b is typically a wide angle camera, its field of view may includeviewing directions at large angles to its optical axis.

In addition, side injector opening 266 of side injector channel 666 maybe located at distal end of sidewall 362. A nozzle cover 267 may beconfigured to fit side injector opening 266.

Additionally, nozzle cover 267 may include a nozzle 268 which may beaimed at side optical assembly 256 b and configured for injecting fluidto wash contaminants such as blood, feces and other debris from sideoptical assembly 256 b of side looking camera 116 b. The fluid mayinclude gas which may be used for inflating a body cavity. Optionally,nozzle 268 may be configured for cleaning both side optical assembly 256b and optical windows 252 a and/or 252 b.

According to some embodiments, side injector channel 666 may beconfigured to supply fluids for cleaning any of the tip elements (suchas any optical assembly, windows, illuminators, and other elements).

Optionally, injector channel 646 and side injector channel 666 may befed from same channel.

It is noted that according to some embodiments, although tip section 200is presented herein showing one side thereof, the opposing side mayinclude elements similar to the side elements described herein (forexample, side looking camera, side optical assembly, injector(s),nozzle(s), illuminator(s), window(s), opening(s) and other elements).

Sidewall 362 may have a form of an essentially flat surface whichassists in directing the cleaning fluid injected from injector channel666 towards side optical assembly 256 b and optical windows 252 a and/or252 b. Lack of such flat surface may result in dripping of the cleaningfluid along the curved surface of tip section 200 of the endoscopewithout performing the desired cleaning action.

It is noted that according to some embodiments, tip section 200 mayinclude more than one side looking cameras. In this case, the sidelooking cameras may be installed such that their field of views aresubstantially opposing. However, different configurations and number ofside looking cameras are possible within the general scope of thecurrent invention.

Fluid channeling component 600 includes a side service channel 650having a side service channel opening 350. Side service channel 650,which will be discussed in more detail herein below, is configured toimprove the performance of the endoscope (particularly, thecolonoscope). Current colonoscopes typically have one working channel,which opens at the front distal section of the colonoscope. Such frontworking channel is adapted for insertion of a surgical tool. Thephysician is required to perform all necessary medical procedures, suchas biopsy, polyp removal and other procedures, via this one channel. Inaddition, for treating (removing/biopsying) polyps or lesions found onthe side walls of the colon, tip sections that have only a front workingchannel need to retracted and repositioned with their front facing thepolyp or lesion. This re-positioning of the tip may result in “loosing”the polyp/lesion and further effort and time must be invested inre-locating it. These are major limitations that currently doctors haveto face. According to some embodiments of this invention, there isprovided herein an endoscope (such as colonoscope) that includes (in atip section thereof), in addition to a front camera and one or more sidecameras, and in addition to a front working channel, also a side servicechannel that is configured for insertion of a medical (such as asurgical) tool, optionally in addition to a medical tool inserted fromthe front working channel. The side service channel allows performanceof medical procedures from (or in proximity to) the side of the tipsection, while at the same time viewing the procedure by the sidecamera. This substantially increases the performance of the endoscope.Moreover, the front working channel and the side service channel may beused simultaneously for medical procedures. An example of such proceduremay include cleaning of the colon. A common problem exists when doctorsfind out that the patient's colon is not sufficiently clean. In suchcases, the doctor can try to clean the colon part using the “jet”exiting from the front part of the tip and in bad cases the doctor isforced to send the patient home and reschedule his/her appointment.According to embodiments of the invention, the two channels can be usedsimultaneously for cleaning. For example, a cleaning fluid (such aswater or water with air) may be inserted through the front workingchannel and suctioned out from the side service channel, or vice versa.This may allow a better cleaning procedure that may solve or mitigatethe problem of less efficient colonoscopies due to a non-cleaned colon.

In addition, a colonoscopy performed using a colonoscope according toembodiments of the invention may save the need of a cleaning procedure,currently performed by the patient him/herself, prior to colonoscopy.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B which show a perspective viewof a fluid channeling component 600 of an endoscope assembly accordingto an embodiment.

According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 600 may beconfigured as a separate component from electronic circuit boardassembly 400. This configuration may be adapted to separate the fluidchannels and working channel 640, which are located in fluid channelingcomponent 600 from the sensitive electronic and optical parts which maybe located in the area of electronic circuit board assembly 400.

According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 600 mayinclude a Proximal fluid channeling section 602 which may have anessentially cylindrical shape and a unitary distal channeling section604. Distal fluid channeling section 604 may partially continue thecylindrical shape of proximal fluid channeling section 602 and may havea shape of a partial cylinder (optionally elongated partial cylinder).Distal fluid channeling section 604 may have only a fraction of thecylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder), wherein anotherfraction of the cylinder (along the height axis of the cylinder) ismissing. Distal fluid channeling section 604 may be integrally formed asa unitary block with proximal fluid channeling section 602. The heightof distal fluid channeling section 604 may by higher than that ofproximal fluid channeling section 602. In the case of distal fluidchanneling section 604, the shape of the partial cylinder (for example,partial cylinder having only a fraction of a cylinder shape along oneside of the height axis) may provide a space to accommodate electroniccircuit board assembly 400 (FIG. 1).

Distal fluid channeling section 604 may include a working channel 640,which may be configured for insertion of a surgical tool, for example,to remove, treat and/or extract a sample of the object of interest foundin the colon or its entirety for biopsy.

Distal fluid channeling section 604 may further include a jet fluidchannel 644 (depicted as jet fluid channel 744 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C)which may be configured for providing high pressure jet of fluid such aswater or saline for cleaning the walls of the body cavity (such as thecolon) and optionally for suction. Distal fluid channeling section 604may further include injector channel 646 (depicted as injector channel746 in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C), which may be used for injecting fluid(liquid and/or gas) to wash contaminants such as blood, feces and otherdebris from front optical assembly 256 (FIG. 1) of forwards lookingcamera 116 (FIG. 1).

Proximal fluid channeling section 602 of fluid channeling component 600may include a side injector channel 666 which may be connected to sideinjector opening 266 (FIG. 1). Reference is now made back to FIG. 1. Tipsection 200 may include a front-pointing camera 116 as well as sidelooking camera 116 b. While front-pointing camera 116 may be able todetect objects of interest (such as a polyp or another pathology), basedon its, side-pointing camera may be able to detect additional objects ofinterest which are normally hidden from the front-pointing camera 116.

Once an object of interest has been detected, endoscope operator maydesire to insert a surgical tool and remove, treat and/or extract asample of the polyp or its entirety for biopsy.

In some cases, objects of interest may only be visible through sidelooking camera 116 b, in this case, it may be beneficial for theendoscope's operator to be able to use surgical tools, which can accessthe object of interest and perform surgical operations while the objectof interest is visible by side looking camera 116 b.

Reference is now made back to FIGS. 3A, 3B. Fluid channeling component600 may include a side service channel 650 having a side service channelopening 350 (FIG. 1).

Side service channel 650 includes a proximal section 652, a curve 654and a distal section 656 and is located within fluid channelingcomponent 600.

Proximal section 652 of side service channel 650 is essentially directedalong the long dimension of the endoscope.

Curve 654 of side service channel 650 is configured to connect proximalsection 652 and distal section 656 and curve (at essentially a rightangle))(90° or in an obtuse angle) distal section 656 towards the sideof fluid channeling component 600.

It is noted that according to some embodiments, a curve, such as curve654 may be configured to create an acute angle between distal proximalsection end 652 and a proximal distal section end 656.

Side service channel 650 may be configured to allow the endoscopeoperator to insert a surgical tool (not shown) and remove, treat and/orextract a sample of the object of interest or its entirety for biopsy.

Advantageously, side service channel 650 may allow greater flexibilityto the endoscope operator and allow the insertion of extra surgicaltools in addition to the surgical tools which may be inserted throughworking channel 640.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, which show a perspectiveview of a fluid channeling component 700 of an endoscope assemblyaccording to an embodiment.

According to some embodiments, fluid channeling component 700 mayinclude a side service channel 750 having two side service channelopenings 758 a and 758 b.

Side service channel 750 may be located within fluid channelingcomponent 700 and may include a distal section 752, a split 754 and twodistal sections 756 a and 756 b. Proximal section 752 of side servicechannel 750 may be essentially directed along the long dimension of theendoscope.

Split 754 of side service channel 750 may be configured to splitProximal section 752 into two distal sections 756 a and 756 b and divertdistal sections 756 a and 756 b towards two essentially opposite sidesof fluid channeling component 700.

Side service channel 750 may be configured to allow the endoscopeoperator to insert a surgical tool (not shown) and remove, treat and/orextract a sample of the object of interest or its entirety for biopsy.

Advantageously, side service channel 750 may allow greater flexibilityto the endoscope operator and allow the insertion of extra surgicaltools in addition to the surgical tools, which may be inserted throughworking channel 740.

While some objects of interest may be visible and/or accessible via theendoscope front panel 320 (FIG. 1), some objects of interest may be morevisible via side looking camera 116 b (FIG. 1) and/or accessible viaendoscope side service channel 750. Therefore, side service channel 750may reduce the need to turn the tip section 200 towards the object ofinterest. Furthermore, side service channel 750 may allow the endoscopeoperator to access objects of interest, and perform surgical operationswhile object of interest is still visible by one of side looking camera116 b or 116 c (FIG. 1).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B, which show a perspective view ofa tip section of an endoscope assembly with a medical tool insertedthrough a side service channel thereof, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5A shows tip section 200 of endoscope assembly 100, having sideservice channel 650 through which medical tool 360 a is threaded andexits from side service channel opening 350 a at essentially aright)(90° angle.

FIG. 5B shows tip section 200 of endoscope assembly 100, having sideservice channel 650 through which medical tool 360 b is threaded andexits from side service channel opening 350 b at an obtuse angle.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims and claims hereafterintroduced be interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words“comprise” “include” and “have”, and forms thereof, are not necessarilylimited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tip section of an endoscope, the tip section comprising: a substantially cylindrical fluid channeling component disposed within the tip section and having a length and a height, wherein the fluid channeling component has a proximal section and, along said height, has a first fraction and a second fraction, wherein the proximal section is substantially cylindrical and comprises a first side channel, said first side channel having an opening on a curved side wall defining said proximal section, wherein the first fraction is semi-cylindrical and comprises a housing that extends outward from said proximal section and that has encased therein a working channel, and wherein the second fraction comprises a void; an electrical assembly configured to fit within said second fraction, wherein the electrical assembly comprises a front-pointing camera, a front illuminator, an integrated circuit board, a first side-pointing camera, a first side illuminator, a second side-pointing camera and a second side illuminator; and a tip cover section having a planar distal face and a plurality of curved side walls, wherein the tip cover section is configured to be removably attachable to said fluid channeling component and configured to receive said electrical assembly, wherein one of the plurality of curved side walls has an opening aligned with the opening on the curved side wall defining said proximal section.
 2. The tip section of claim 1 wherein the tip cover section comprises a front working channel configured to mate to said working channel of the fluid channeling component and provide a contiguous pathway for receiving a medical tool.
 3. A tip section of an endoscope, the tip section comprising: a substantially cylindrical fluid channeling component disposed within the tip section and having a length and a height, wherein the fluid channeling component has a distal section, a proximal section and, along said height, has a first fraction and a second fraction, wherein the proximal section is substantially cylindrical and comprises a first side channel having an opening on a curved side wall defining said proximal section, wherein the first fraction is semi-cylindrical and comprises a housing that extends outward from said proximal section to form said distal section and that has encased therein a working channel, and wherein the second fraction comprises a void; an electrical assembly configured to fit within said second fraction, wherein the electrical assembly comprises a front-pointing camera and a front illuminator positioned below a face of said distal section, an integrated circuit board, a first side-pointing camera and a first side illuminator adjacent the first side-pointing camera positioned on the first side, and a second side-pointing camera and a second side illuminator adjacent the second side-pointing camera on the second side; and a tip cover section having a planar distal face and a plurality of curved side walls, wherein the tip cover section is configured to be removably attachable to said fluid channeling component and configured to receive said electrical assembly, wherein one of the plurality of curved side walls has an opening aligned with the opening on the curved side wall defining said proximal section.
 4. The tip section of claim 3 further comprising at least one front fluid injector configured to clean the front-pointing camera and the front illuminator.
 5. The tip section of claim 3 further comprising at least one first side fluid injector configured to clean the first side-pointing camera and the first side illuminator adjacent the first side-pointing camera.
 6. The tip section of claim 3 further comprising at least one second side fluid injector configured to clean the second side-pointing camera and the second side illuminator adjacent the second side-pointing camera.
 7. The tip section of claim 3 further comprising a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.
 8. The tip section of claim 3, wherein said first side channel is curved at an obtuse angle relative to a longitudinal axis through said tip section.
 9. The tip section of claim 3 further comprising at least one front fluid injector configured to clean the front-pointing camera and the front illuminator, at least one first side fluid injector configured to clean the first side-pointing camera and the first side illuminator adjacent the first side-pointing camera, and at least one second side fluid injector configured to clean the second side-pointing camera and the second side illuminator adjacent the second side-pointing camera.
 10. The tip section of claim 9 wherein the front fluid injector, the first side fluid injector and the second side fluid injector are connected to a same fluid supply channel.
 11. The tip section of claim 3, wherein fields of view of said front-pointing camera and first side pointing camera are at least partially overlapping.
 12. The tip section of claim 11, wherein fields of view of said front-pointing camera and second side pointing camera are at least partially overlapping.
 13. The tip section of claim 11, wherein the front, first side and second side cameras each comprise a lens assembly providing a focal length of approximately 3-100 millimeters. 